Against people’s will, the Plahotniuc-Dodon cartel has decided to use the politically controlled justice system to bring through the back door their own mayor and completely ignore the backbone of every democracy: the right to vote.

The European People’s Party (EPP) is outraged by the decision to invalidate the mandate of the democratically elected mayor of Chisinau, Andrei Nastase. Following the announcement, the EPP President, Joseph Daul made the following statement:

“I am appalled at the erosion of democracy in the Republic of Moldova. Only in an authoritarian country, can the judiciary ignore without reason the will of the people resulting from a democratic election. It is obvious that the election of Andrei Nastase as the capital mayor of Moldova was an unpleasant surprise for the Plahotniuc-Dodon alliance. Against people’s will, the Plahotniuc-Dodon cartel has decided to use the politically controlled justice system to bring through the back door their own mayor and completely ignore the backbone of every democracy: the right to vote.

The situation has never been worse than today. It is clear that the Plahotniuc-Dodon gang are capable of anything just to retain control of the country. The European Union cannot support or finance such cartels and EPP will not stand idly by. The Republic of Moldova has committed through the Association Agenda to substantially improve the independence of the judiciary and strengthen the rule of law. The decision made yesterday to invalidate the results of the elections and the will of the citizens of Chisinau casts serious doubts on the commitment of the Moldovan authorities to advance reforms.

All institutions of the European Union have previously expressed the importance of functioning democratic mechanisms in Moldova, such as the multi-party system. Yesterday’s decision stands as proof that Moldovan authorities did not undertake sufficient efforts to gain the trust of international partners in the functioning of the Moldovan institutions.

Governments and politicians should always exercise their power with great caution within their constitutional mandate. Any threats to the balance of power in Moldova endangers the European path of the Republic of Moldova. All EPP representatives in institutions of the European Union will act on the basis of these principles and will evaluate with great attention evolutions in Moldova.

The EPP will stand by the citizens of Chisinau and the Republic of Moldova in their aspiration for a prosperous future and European integration. We call on the governing authorities not to stand as an obstacle in our desire to support the people of Moldova.”